The American Racial and Multicultural Studies Program (ARMS) introduces students to the cultures, histories and experiences in the United States of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans. The goals of this program are to increase students’ awareness of diversity and prepare them to function in a society that is becoming increasingly multicultural. The ARMS program is interdisciplinary, drawing on faculty from many departments and asking students to integrate multiple perspectives on the issues raised in courses. An ARMS major or concentration complements a variety of majors in the social sciences, humanities and the arts.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MAJOR

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

A major consists of Introduction to American Racial and Multicultural Studies (ARMS 121-125), plus a minimum of seven other approved courses taken in at least three departments or programs (total of eight courses). One of the seven courses may be an independent study or research, and one may be an off-campus internship approved by the ARMS director. Students may wish to link an ARMS major with a major in one of the departments represented in the program. ARMS majors are expected to complete a senior project.

ARMS students are strongly encouraged to include off-campus study in their programs.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONCENTRATION

A concentration consists of Introduction to American Racial and Multicultural Studies (ARMS 121-125), plus four other approved courses taken in at least two departments or programs (a total of five courses).

COURSES

REQUIRED COURSE

121 Introduction to American Racial and Multicultural Studies

This course provides an introduction to the cultural and historical background of four groups in
the United States: African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans. Emphasis is
on race relations and the distinguishing characteristics of these cultures as reflected in the
academic disciplines of the creative and performing arts, the humanities, the social and behavioral
sciences and the general area of popular culture. Contributions to cultural pluralism are
accentuated as well as the special issues of identity faced by these Americans. This course
emphasizes literary texts.

122 Introduction to American Racial and Multicultural Studies

This course provides an introduction to the cultural and historical background of four groups in
the United States: African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans. Emphasis
is on race relations and the distinguishing characteristics of these cultures as reflected in the
academic disciplines of the creative and performing arts, the humanities, the social and
behavioral sciences and the general area of popular culture. Contributions to cultural pluralism
are accentuated as well as the special issues of identity faced by these Americans. This course
emphasizes historical texts.

ELECTIVE COURSE

250 Topical Seminar

Students apply interdisciplinary theories and methods to selected topics in American racial and
multicultural studies. The course employs a discussion format, focusing on critical reading and
analytical essays. Offered annually. May be repeated if topics are different.

294, 394 Internship

298 Independent Study

396 Directed Undergraduate Research: "Topic Description"

This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant
background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data
collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may
relate to his/her research interests. Prerequisite: Determined by individual instructor. Offer
based on department decision.

398 Independent Research

APPROVED COURSES

Africa and the Americas 231-232, Africa and the Americas
Dance 246, Dance in America
Education 170, Urban Schools and Communities
Education 378, Multicultural Education in Hawaii: Seminar and Practicum (Off-Campus: Oahu, Hawaii)
Education 379, Urban Education Seminar and Practicum (Off-Campus: Minneapolis/St. Paul)
English 108, The Hero and the Trickster
English 245, American Racial and Multicultural Literatures
English 284, Performing Arts in New York
English 345, Topics in Multicultural Literature
History 165, Slavery in the Americas
History 181, Civil Rights Revolution
History 199, American History Since 1865
History 277, African-American History
History 282, Native American History
History 288, America in the Civil War and Reconstruction Era
History 370, American Seminar: Emancipation
Music 231, History of Jazz
Music 237, World Music
Sociology/Anthropology 120, Anthropology of Jazz
Sociology/Anthropology 128, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Sociology/Anthropology 242, Contemporary Native American Issues
Sociology/Anthropology 261, Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Sociology/Anthropology 264, Race and Class in American Culture

In addition, Religion 121 and some sections of General Education 111 may count toward American Racial and Multicultural Studies, depending on topic. Petition the director of ARMS for approval.